*Stevie Jordan in action for Avenue Utd. Photograph: Joe Buckley
TENSIONS REMAIN high between officials in the Clare District Soccer League (CDSL) with an anxious wait for Sporting Ennistymon’s appeal at their points deduction and financial penalty to be heard by the Munster FA.
As first reported by The Clare Echo, Sporting Ennistymon have lodged an appeal after they were deducted seven points in the Maloney Hardware Premier Division and issued a financial penalty by the CDSL, an outcome that was reached following a virtual meeting of the CDSL committee.
Objections had been raised by three clubs in the Premier Division over the North Clare club fielding of a player who did not have an international transfer certificate. Sporting moved from fifth place to third from bottom (8th) in the table, one spot above Shannon Olympic and are now dragged into a potential relegation play-off.
As a result of the decision, Avenue Utd move to top of the Premier Division, they had drawn with Sporting 1-1 in Roslevan for the second time this season but have picked up an extra two points subsequently which pushes them one point ahead of title holders Newmarket Celtic. Ennis Town FC were also awarded two points having drawn with Sporting. This sees them move to fifth position on the table. Mountshannon Celtic were the first club to raise the matter, their appeal to the Munster FA was upheld by the CDSL and they received three extra points.
Despite having a majority agreement among the CDSL committee, the additional points for Avenue Utd have not been included on the CDSL’s official website due to some officers disputing the decision, the other alterations to the table have been made.
This comes as the appeal from Sporting is still before the Munster FA. Members of the Avenue Utd set-up have said their focus remains on winning all their remaining contests, they recorded a comprehensive 5-1 win over Shannon Olympic on Wednesday evening and host Bridge Utd A in Roslevan on Sunday morning.
Officers have become critical of each other in light of the ongoing controversy. The Clare Echo understands that CDSL Chairperson, Jason Ryan attempted to give the impression to other media outlets that there was no issues among the Committee, this despite a growing tension between some officials and also with clubs becoming increasingly frustrated with how the matter was handled by the committee.
